The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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Mounjaro Alternatives Over The Counter in the UK
Despite the term "over the counter" in searches, prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are not available without a prescription in the UK. However, there are legitimate ways to access alternatives to Mounjaro through both NHS services and private prescribing. This guide explains your actual options, costs, and how the eligibility and access process works for UK adults seeking weight management support.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
Private Prescription Alternatives to Mounjaro in the UK
If you're looking for alternatives to Mounjaro, Wegovy (semaglutide) is the primary prescription alternative available in the UK. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—unlike Mounjaro's dual GIP and GLP-1 mechanism—and is prescribed at doses up to 2.4 mg once weekly. In clinical trials, Wegovy supported average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight, though individual results vary significantly.
Private prescription costs for Wegovy typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your current dose and the prescribing service. Starting doses (0.25 mg) are usually at the lower end of this range, with maximum doses (2.4 mg) at the higher end. You can access Wegovy through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online clinical assessment with a UK-licensed prescriber—no NHS referral required. Another alternative is Saxenda (liraglutide), a daily GLP-1 injection licensed for weight management, though it is less commonly prescribed privately in the UK than Wegovy.
- Wegovy requires a prescription and clinical assessment
- Monthly costs vary by dose and prescribing provider
- Doses are increased gradually over weeks (dose titration)
- Results achieved alongside diet and physical activity changes
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS vs Private Access: Your Routes to Weight Loss Medication
The NHS route requires referral to a tier 3 specialist weight management service, typically through your GP. NICE has approved tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy) for NHS use, but availability varies significantly by region and waiting lists can extend months or longer. Access depends on your ICB (Integrated Care Board) policies and specialist service capacity in your area.
The private route is faster and does not require NHS referral. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and if appropriate, receive a prescription dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy. The entire process typically takes 2–5 working days. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to estimate potential results at different doses while you're researching which option suits you best.
Important: No prescription weight loss medication is truly "over the counter" in the UK—all require a valid prescription following clinical assessment. This assessment checks your BMI (typically BMI ≥27 with health conditions, or BMI ≥30), medical history, current medications, and contraindications. Online consultations are legitimate if conducted by UK General Medical Council (GMC)-registered doctors, but always verify the prescriber's registration.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Can you buy Mounjaro or Wegovy over the counter in the UK?
No. Despite internet searches for "over the counter" options, all prescription weight loss medications in the UK—including Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda—require a valid prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following a clinical assessment. There are no genuine over-the-counter versions. Always obtain these medications through NHS services or GPhC-registered private pharmacies.
What's the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy for cost and access?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Wegovy (semaglutide) is GLP-1 only. Mounjaro is typically more expensive privately (£150–£350/month) than Wegovy (£129–£320/month). Wegovy is more widely available through private online prescribing services. NHS access varies by region for both medications.
How much does Wegovy cost on private prescription in the UK?
Private Wegovy costs typically range from £129 to £320 per month depending on your dose. Starting doses (0.25 mg) cost less; maximum doses (2.4 mg) cost more. Costs may vary between different GPhC-registered prescribing services. Always check the full cost before starting treatment, including any consultation fees.
How long does it take to get a private prescription for weight loss medication?
Private prescription typically takes 2–5 working days from consultation to dispensing. You complete an online health questionnaire, have a brief consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber, and receive your prescription if clinically appropriate. NHS routes take significantly longer due to waiting lists, which vary by region—often months in many areas.
What eligibility criteria do I need to meet for prescription weight loss medication?
You typically need a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or BMI 27–29.9 kg/m² with weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea). For South Asian, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower thresholds may apply. A prescriber will assess your individual eligibility during consultation.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.